The U.S. is increasing its military presence in the Middle East amid threats from President Trump to strike Iran over its crackdown on anti-government protesters.

The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group has moved from the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean, with additional cargo planes, tankers, and missile defense systems arriving in the region.

Trump has emphasized that the buildup is both a deterrent and a potential launching point for action, while U.S. and allied officials remain concerned about Iran’s possible retaliatory strikes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Carrier Strike Group, with its advanced air wing and missile-equipped escorts, would significantly boost U.S. striking and defensive capabilities, TWZ has reported.

However, the exact composition of U.S. forces in the region, and the role of allies like Israel, remains uncertain, and a potential operation could occur at any time.